Girls with autism are frequently misdiagnosed or diagnosed later than boys, according to a new study from the University of Oxford. The research suggests that many girls mask their symptoms, leading to underrepresentation in clinical and educational settings.

The traditional diagnostic criteria are based heavily on male presentations, which leaves many girls without the support they need.

Among over 80,000 children studied, girls were often first diagnosed with anxiety or eating disorders before autism was considered. The average age of diagnosis for girls was 13, compared to 9 for boys. The findings call for a gender-sensitive approach to autism identification.

The study also found that autistic girls were more likely to be academically successful, further masking their social communication difficulties in the classroom. Researchers recommend additional training for school staff in recognising autism in girls.